What else could I do!?

[TheBoneDoctah]

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So I am going to be taking the MCAT in January and applying next June. Therefore, I have 9 months to do "stuff." I have a low 3.3 GPA and am shooting for 35 on the MCAT to raise my chances. What other EC's could I get into that would be effective in raising my chances in the next 9 months? I already have:

4 years volunteer in surgery center
2 years volunteer at reconstructive surgery program
2 years research experience
lots of shadowing

What else could I do???

 

[kyamh]

Do something that is more unique to you!

Do you play a musical instrument or play a sport well? Maybe you can work with a local school to teach kids music/during gym. Do you enjoy running or biking? Why not train for mini (or full if you are up for it) marathon? Is there a hobby you always wished you could pick up? If you are still in school, why not take a couple courses in a radically different area of study?

Otherwise, you can see if your current volunteer places have opportunities to show leadership. You can organize an event, take charge of fundraising for something specific, start a buddy program if your volunteer center serves kids. Basically I'm asking, can you bring something new and unique to the places where you already volunteer? Can you leave a lasting mark somewhere or on someone? A legacy of your work that will outlive your participation with these groups?

 

[BlueLabel]

Do something that is more unique to you!

Do you play a musical instrument or play a sport well? Maybe you can work with a local school to teach kids music/during gym. Do you enjoy running or biking? Why not train for mini (or full if you are up for it) marathon? Is there a hobby you always wished you could pick up? If you are still in school, why not take a couple courses in a radically different area of study?

Otherwise, you can see if your current volunteer places have opportunities to show leadership. You can organize an event, take charge of fundraising for something specific, start a buddy program if your volunteer center serves kids. Basically I'm asking, can you bring something new and unique to the places where you already volunteer? Can you leave a lasting mark somewhere or on someone? A legacy of your work that will outlive your participation with these groups?

Is that Kate Mulgrew?

 

[kyamh]

Is that Kate Mulgrew?

Yes it is 😀 in her new bad-*** role 😎

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Do something that is more unique to you!

Do you play a musical instrument or play a sport well? Maybe you can work with a local school to teach kids music/during gym. Do you enjoy running or biking? Why not train for mini (or full if you are up for it) marathon? Is there a hobby you always wished you could pick up? If you are still in school, why not take a couple courses in a radically different area of study?

Otherwise, you can see if your current volunteer places have opportunities to show leadership. You can organize an event, take charge of fundraising for something specific, start a buddy program if your volunteer center serves kids. Basically I'm asking, can you bring something new and unique to the places where you already volunteer? Can you leave a lasting mark somewhere or on someone? A legacy of your work that will outlive your participation with these groups?

But would doing the marathon and stuff work for medical school? Should I try to do something with the hospital?

 

[kyamh]

But would doing the marathon and stuff work for medical school? Should I try to do something with the hospital?

Sure it helps! Medical schools want to see a commitment to service, a desire to be a doctor, and some idea about what the job is really like - your shadowing and volunteering cover all those things. Beyond that, medical schools want you to be interesting and a real person - with likes, dislikes, hobbies, goals other than career goals, etc.

When you are asked how you overcame a challenge for a secondary essay, what is more interesting to write about - how you pulled up a grade in a tough class or how you trained for your first marathon?

Plus, non medical experiences show your qualities just as well as medical experiences do (sometimes better). Let's continue with the marathon example: this shows dedication, ability to set and reach goals, perseverance, responsibility, understanding your limits, time management to fit the training in, teamwork if you work out with friends and help one another, the list goes on!

Edit: I would try and keep one of your volunteering positions if possible so that you have a long-term commitment going all the way through your application.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Sure it helps! Medical schools want to see a commitment to service, a desire to be a doctor, and some idea about what the job is really like - your shadowing and volunteering cover all those things. Beyond that, medical schools want you to be interesting and a real person - with likes, dislikes, hobbies, goals other than career goals, etc.

When you are asked how you overcame a challenge for a secondary essay, what is more interesting to write about - how you pulled up a grade in a tough class or how you trained for your first marathon?

Plus, non medical experiences show your qualities just as well as medical experiences do (sometimes better). Let's continue with the marathon example: this shows dedication, ability to set and reach goals, perseverance, responsibility, understanding your limits, time management to fit the training in, teamwork if you work out with friends and help one another, the list goes on!

Edit: I would try and keep one of your volunteering positions if possible so that you have a long-term commitment going all the way through your application.

Awesome. I would love to complete a marathon. I go to the gym every day but it's more to get muscle than to train for a marathon haha also, I am keeping the disadvantaged children volunteer service.

 

[Amba]

Awesome. I would love to complete a marathon. I go to the gym every day but it's more to get muscle than to train for a marathon haha also, I am keeping the disadvantaged children volunteer service.

+1 to marathon running. I've completed 5 fulls and was able to write about my experiences pretty extensively in most secondaries. Surprisingly it hasn't really been a topic of conversation at any interviews yet, but it may have helped me get there in the first place.

Shoot for a spring race. Memorial Day is a good weekend tbh. There are a lot of great races held then, it gives you plenty of time to train, and it'll be fresh in your mind for writing secondaries. And you can put it in your primary before submitting.

 

[Instatewaiter]

So I am going to be taking the MCAT in January and applying next June. Therefore, I have 9 months to do "stuff." I have a low 3.3 GPA and am shooting for 35 on the MCAT to raise my chances. What other EC's could I get into that would be effective in raising my chances in the next 9 months? I already have:

4 years volunteer in surgery center
2 years volunteer at reconstructive surgery program
2 years research experience
lots of shadowing

What else could I do???

Get better grades.
Do well on the MCAT


You're welcome.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Get better grades.
Do well on the MCAT


You're welcome.

Cool bro